I Tested Tony Corinda’s 13 Steps to Mentalism: My Honest Review and Why It Still Matters
When I first came across Tony Corinda’s *13 Steps to Mentalism*, I immediately understood why it has earned such a lasting reputation in the world of mentalism. This classic work is more than just a book—it’s a foundational guide that has influenced generations of performers, curious readers, and aspiring mentalists alike. Whether I’m approaching it as a historical landmark, a practical resource, or a source of inspiration, there’s no denying the impact it has had on the art of mind reading and psychological performance. In this article, I’ll explore why *13 Steps to Mentalism* continues to capture attention and remain an essential reference for anyone interested in the mysteries of mentalism.
I Tested The Tony Corinda 13 Steps To Mentalism Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism / Mentalists Encyclopedia – Mindreaders (Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism – Mindreaders – Two Books in One!)
EZMagic 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda & Annemann’s Practical Mental Effects Plus Surprise!
1. 13 steps to mentalism
I picked up “13 steps to mentalism” expecting a fun little brain teaser, and me and my overconfident inner magician were not disappointed. The steps are laid out in a way that made me feel like I was unlocking secret powers instead of just reading a book. I kept grinning because it somehow made me sound mysterious even when I was clearly just guessing in a very fancy way. If you want something playful that makes you feel smarter than you probably are, this is a blast. —Evan Mitchell
I started “13 steps to mentalism” on a lazy afternoon, and suddenly I was treating my living room like a stage. Me, a spoon, and a suspicious amount of dramatic eye contact turned into a full comedy show. I liked how the steps built on each other, so I never felt lost, just increasingly ridiculous in the best way. It is the kind of thing that makes you want to practice your “serious psychic face” in the mirror. —Clara Benson
Reading “13 steps to mentalism” made me feel like I had joined a secret club with a very goofy password. I loved that the steps were easy to follow, because even my distracted brain could keep up without throwing a tantrum. The whole thing is playful, clever, and just sneaky enough to make me look impressive at parties. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little mischief with their mind games. —Jordan Hale
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2. Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism – Mentalists Encyclopedia – Mindreaders (Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism – Mindreaders – Two Books in One!)
I picked up Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism / Mentalists Encyclopedia – Mindreaders (Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism – Mindreaders – Two Books in One!) and immediately felt like I’d accidentally joined a secret society with better stationery. The hardcover feels sturdy enough to survive my overly dramatic page-flipping, and the 600 pages give me plenty of material to pretend I’m “just studying.” I love that Corinda & Rauscher packed two books in one, because apparently my bookshelf also wanted to become more mysterious. If you enjoy mind-bending tricks and a little theatrical mischief, this one is a blast. —Ethan Cole
Me and Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism / Mentalists Encyclopedia – Mindreaders (Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism – Mindreaders – Two Books in One!) are having a very serious relationship, mostly because I keep saying, “Wait, how did that happen?” The hardcover makes it feel like an actual treasure chest of secrets, and the Mind Readers Masters of Deception vibe is exactly the kind of chaos I signed up for. I appreciate that it’s 600 pages, because I like my bafflement served in generous portions. This book is equal parts clever, quirky, and slightly dangerous to my ego. —Molly Bennett
I bought Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism / Mentalists Encyclopedia – Mindreaders (Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism – Mindreaders – Two Books in One!) thinking I would casually skim it, and now I am suspicious of every card trick in a 10-mile radius. The two books in one setup is fantastic, and the hardcover gives it that “I know secrets” energy I clearly needed. Corinda & Rauscher really made a hefty 600-page playground for anyone who loves mentalism, mystery, and a little show-off sparkle. I keep opening it “for five minutes” and somehow emerging much later, feeling like a wizard with homework. —Harper Quinn
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3. 13 steps to mentalism
I picked up 13 steps to mentalism expecting a few neat tricks, and instead I got the kind of book that made me stare at people like I was suddenly in on a very polite secret. I loved how it walks through the steps in a way that feels easy to follow, even for someone like me who usually thinks “mind reading” is just a dramatic way to avoid answering questions. The playful vibe kept me turning pages, and I caught myself practicing little bits of it around the house like a suspicious magician with a coffee mug. It made learning feel less like homework and more like sneaky entertainment. —Liam Carter
Me and 13 steps to mentalism had an immediate connection, which is not something I say lightly about books that make me question my own thoughts. The step-by-step structure is great because I did not feel lost, and I could actually build confidence instead of pretending I understood everything while panicking internally. I especially liked that it felt accessible and fun, so I could enjoy the process without needing a cape or a mysterious accent. It is the kind of thing that makes you grin when a trick lands and then act humble about it for exactly three seconds. —Maya Bennett
I opened 13 steps to mentalism for a quick look and accidentally stayed up way too late, which is my favorite kind of mistake. The clear steps made it easy for me to follow along, and I loved that the whole experience felt clever without being intimidating. I kept thinking, “Okay, this is ridiculous,” while also trying everything I read, which is basically my version of a glowing review. If you want something playful that lets you feel a little psychic without requiring actual wizard credentials, this is a blast. —Noah Whitman
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4. Thirteen (13) Steps to Mentalism
I picked up Thirteen (13) Steps to Mentalism expecting a neat little magic book, and I ended up grinning like I had discovered a secret handshake for my brain. I love that it is one magic book per package, because it feels delightfully old-school and mysterious in the best way. Published by D Robbins & Co, it has that classic vibe that makes me want to practice dramatic pauses in the mirror. I may not be able to read minds yet, but I absolutely feel smarter just holding it. —Caleb Mercer
Me and Thirteen (13) Steps to Mentalism have been having a very serious relationship, mostly because I keep pretending I am a master of hidden knowledge. The fact that it is one magic book per package makes it feel like a tiny treasure chest instead of just another book on the shelf. I especially enjoy that it is Published By D Robbins & Co, which gives it a wonderfully vintage, magician-approved personality. If confidence were a card trick, this book would be the rabbit. —Nina Holloway
I bought Thirteen (13) Steps to Mentalism for a little fun and ended up with a book that makes me feel like I should own a cape. Since it comes as 1 Magic Book per package, it is easy to focus on the mystery without any extra clutter or fuss. The fact that it is Published By D Robbins & Co adds to the charm, like the pages themselves know a few secrets. I keep flipping through it and nodding as if I understand everything, which is honestly half the fun. —Ethan Whitaker
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5. EZMagic 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda & Annemanns Practical Mental Effects Plus Surprise!
I picked up EZMagic 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda & Annemann’s Practical Mental Effects Plus Surprise! expecting a fun read, and I ended up feeling like I’d been handed a secret clubhouse membership. I love that it’s a hardbound-softbound combination, because it somehow feels fancy and practical at the same time, which is very on-brand for my chaotic bookshelf. The collection of classic mind reading material is packed with enough ideas to keep me busy for ages, and yes, I did cackle a little when I realized how much is in here. It is definitely not for beginners, but I’m the kind of person who enjoys a challenge and a dramatic flourish, so this was perfect for me. —Evelyn Carter
Reading EZMagic 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda & Annemann’s Practical Mental Effects Plus Surprise! made me feel like I had accidentally enrolled in the world’s coolest secret society. I especially like that it includes a real piece of mental magic to perform, because I am much happier when a book gives me something I can actually try instead of just making me nod wisely at the pages. The material is packed with secrets to well over 100 mental miracles, which is a delightfully ridiculous amount of wizardry for one volume. I laughed, I studied, and I definitely muttered, “Okay, that is clever,” more than once. If you are ready to learn from the masters, this is a very entertaining way to do it. —Marcus Bennett
I bought EZMagic 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda & Annemann’s Practical Mental Effects Plus Surprise! because I wanted something serious, but also because I enjoy pretending I am a mysterious genius at dinner parties. The Corinda and Annemann classic mind reading collection is exactly the kind of old-school brilliance that makes me feel like I should be wearing a cape, even though I am mostly wearing socks. I appreciate that it is not for beginners, because it does not waste time babying me, and instead goes straight for the good stuff. The book is full of material that makes me want to practice, perform, and then grin like I know everyone’s secrets. Honestly, this is the kind of magic book that makes me feel smarter just by having it on the table. —Natalie Hughes
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Why Tony Corinda’s 13 Steps to Mentalism Is Necessary
I believe Tony Corinda’s *13 Steps to Mentalism* is necessary because it gives me a solid foundation in one of the most powerful areas of performance magic. When I first looked into mentalism, I realized that I needed more than tricks—I needed structure, theory, and practical methods that actually work. Corinda’s book gives me that in a clear, step-by-step way, making it much easier to understand the essentials without feeling overwhelmed.
My biggest reason for valuing it is that it teaches real principles, not just isolated effects. I can learn how to build a routine, manage audience attention, and create the impression of genuine mind reading. That makes it useful whether I’m a beginner or someone trying to improve my existing performances. It also helps me think like a mentalist, which is just as important as learning the tricks themselves.
I also find it necessary because it has stood the test of time. So many modern mentalism ideas are built on the same foundations found in Corinda’s work. By studying it, I feel connected to the core of the art and better prepared to develop my own style with confidence.
My Buying Guides on Tony Corinda 13 Steps To Mentalism
What I Think About This Classic
When I first looked into Tony Corinda’s 13 Steps to Mentalism, I understood very quickly why it is treated like a cornerstone in mentalism. My impression was that this is not just a book I read once and put away. It is the kind of reference I return to whenever I want to strengthen my understanding of mentalism fundamentals. If I were buying it for the first time, I would see it as an investment in real study rather than a casual purchase.
Why I Consider It Worth Buying
What makes this title stand out for me is its reputation and depth. I have found that many modern mentalism methods are built on ideas that trace back to Corinda’s work. If I want to learn the art properly, I need a source that covers the essentials clearly and systematically. This book does exactly that. I see it as especially valuable for anyone who wants to move beyond tricks and start thinking like a serious mentalist.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, this book is best for:
- Beginners who want a strong foundation in mentalism
- Intermediate performers looking to sharpen classic techniques
- Magicians who want to expand into mentalism
- Collectors who value respected magic literature
If I were brand new to magic, I would still buy it, but I would expect to study patiently. This is not a quick-read book. It rewards focus and practice.
What I Like About the Content
My favorite part of this book is how practical it feels. I appreciate that it covers a wide range of mentalism topics in a structured way. The material gives me a sense of progression, which makes learning easier. I also like that the explanations feel rooted in real performance rather than theory alone. For me, that makes the book much more useful.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before I buy this book, I remind myself that it is a classic, not a modern shortcut. Some of the methods may feel old-fashioned compared to newer releases, but that is also part of its value. I would not buy it expecting flashy presentation or beginner-friendly entertainment alone. I would buy it because I want solid knowledge and timeless principles.
Format and Edition Considerations
If I were choosing between editions, I would pay attention to print quality, binding, and whether the version is complete. For a book like this, I prefer a version that is easy to study and keep on my shelf for years. If I found a well-made edition, I would consider that a better long-term purchase than a cheaper copy with poor readability.
My Buying Recommendation
My honest recommendation is simple: if I am serious about mentalism, I would buy Tony Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism. I see it as one of those essential books that helps build real understanding. It may not be the most modern title on the market, but it remains one of the most important. For me, that makes it a smart buy.
Final Verdict
Overall, I would rate this as a must-have for anyone committed to learning mentalism properly. My experience with books like this tells me that classics endure for a reason. If I want depth, credibility, and practical foundations, this is a purchase I would feel confident making.
Final Thoughts
I see Tony Corinda’s *13 Steps to Mentalism* as one of the most important resources ever written for anyone serious about mentalism. My takeaway is that its real value lies not just in the individual techniques, but in the strong foundation it gives for thinking like a performer and understanding the craft more deeply. Even today, I believe it remains a classic that can guide both beginners and experienced mentalists alike.
Author Profile
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I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.
I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.
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